The estimated number of deaths on U.S. roadways last year fell to 44,450 from 46,270, which is a decline of 4%. The first decline since 2019 came despite Americans driving 2.1% more miles in 2023. Get details at Headlight.News.
Michael Strong
New Vehicle Sales Going Strong in February
After a bit of dip in January, automakers are expected to report strong numbers for new vehicle sales in February. The first two months of the year are typically slower, so February’s expected returns are a pleasant surprise. Get details at Headlight.News.
Jeep and Ford Cut Prices, Counterfeit Auto Part Problem, 2025 Ram 1500 Review Highlight Headlight News Podcast
Headlight News for the Week of 2-26-24 – Jeep and Ford Cut Prices – Automakers Back off of EV – Counterfeit Auto Parts – 2025 Ram 1500 Review and the Week in Automotive History.
Auto Companies Fight Battle Against Global Counterfeit Parts Makers
The recent investigation by U.S. Department of Homeland Security in metro Detroit turned up scores of counterfeit auto parts. The probe, aided by Detroit Three automakers, netted scores of inexpensive, but fake parts for Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge car parts. The bust is a microcosm of a much larger problem across the U.S. costing automakers billions of dollars. Find out more at Headlight.News.
GM Pushes Back Sale of Midsize Trucks Due to Software Issue
General Motors put a halt to the sale and delivery of its 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups after a software glitch was discovered. The company is fixing the problem and expects to lift the hold soon. It’s the second major software problem to halt a high-profile vehicle. The stop sale hasn’t yet been lifted on the Chevy Blazer EV. Get details at Headlight.News.
Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking Not the Savior Many Think
The problem with a lot of new automotive technologies is that they make drivers a little too relaxed. A new study shows that reverse automatic emergency braking isn’t a substitute for a cautious, alert driver. Get details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 Podcast: Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs, Cybertruck Rust, Rivian Teases New EV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review
Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 – Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs – Cybertruck Rust – Rivian Teases New EV – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review – and a Week in Automotive History.
New EV Maker Scout Motors Breaks Ground on $2 Billion Plant
The stagnation of electric vehicle sales isn’t slowing the charge of automakers into the market. Scout Motors, Volkswagen’s U.S. EV subsidiary, broke ground on its $2 billion plant in South Carolina. The company expects vehicles to begin rolling off the line there in 2026. Headlight.News has details.
Rivian Teases Upcoming Reveal of New R2 Models
EV maker Rivian plans to roll out its second product line, the R2, on March 7. However, to whet the appetites of the company’s aficionados and others who are interested in a smaller, less expensive electric SUV, it offered a short teaser video of what’s coming. The...
GM Expanding Super Cruise Network to Cover 750K Miles
The fight for hands-free driving supremacy went another round with General Motors announcing plans to expand its Super Cruise network to 750,000 miles in the U.S. and Canada. The process is underway and expected to be complete next year. Get details at Headlight.News.
Auto Dealers Collect $135M YTD in EV Tax Credit Payments
Anyone who may have wondered about the potential success of offering EV buyers the option to get their tax credit at the time of sale, including using it as a down payment, can stop thinking about it — it’s working. The U.S. government’s paid out $135 million in electric vehicle tax credits in a little more than a month. Get details at Headlight.News.
Cruise Rehab Continues with Chief Safety Officer Hiring
General Motors’ autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, took another step in the rehabilitation of its image, making good on plans to hire a Chief Safety Officer. In the wake of last October’s incident with a pedestrian in San Francisco, the company said it would take steps to improve the safety of its vehicles. AV development veteran Steve Kenner is the new hire. Get details at Headlight.News.